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Block 4 Superpave Binder Testing

The document outlines the Superpave Performance Graded Specification for asphalt binders, detailing the grading system based on climate and the associated tests for performance evaluation. It covers various rheological tests, including those for rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking, emphasizing the importance of binder properties under different conditions. Additionally, it describes the aging processes that asphalt binders undergo during construction and their long-term performance implications.

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Usha Kala
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10 views34 pages

Block 4 Superpave Binder Testing

The document outlines the Superpave Performance Graded Specification for asphalt binders, detailing the grading system based on climate and the associated tests for performance evaluation. It covers various rheological tests, including those for rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking, emphasizing the importance of binder properties under different conditions. Additionally, it describes the aging processes that asphalt binders undergo during construction and their long-term performance implications.

Uploaded by

Usha Kala
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Senior/Graduate

HMA Course

Asphalt Binders

Superpave Performance Graded Specification

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 1


Superpave Asphalt Binder Specification
The grading system is based on Climate

PG 64 - 22

Min pavement
Performance temperature
Grade
Average 7-day max
pavement temperature
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 2
Pavement Temperatures are Calculated

• Calculated by Superpave software


• High temperature
– 20 mm below the surface of mixture
• Low temperature
– at surface of mixture

Pave temp = f (air temp, depth, latitude)


www.tfhrc.gov/pavement/ltpp/ltppb
ind.htm
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 3
PG Specification Tests
• Rheology
– Fundamental properties related to HMA
performance
• Test parameters
– Selected to represent in-service &
construction temperatures
• Asphalt binder conditioning
– Environmental factors
• Short and long term aging

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 4


Rheological Tests Selected

• Concentric Cylinders
• Dynamic shear rheometer
• Bending beam
• Direct tension

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 5


Tests Used in PG Specifications
Construction

RV DSR BBR

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 6


Construction Asphalt Binder
Properties
• Concentric cylinder rheometer Construction
– Used to insure a minimum
workability (pumpability) at typical
mixing temperature
– Maximum viscosity 3kPa at 135oC [RV]

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 7


Rutting

RV BBR

DSR
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 8
Rutting
• High in-service temperature
– Desert climates
– Summer temperatures
• Sustained loads Viscous Liquid
– Slow moving trucks
– Intersections Newton’s Law


Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 9


High In-Service Temperatures
• Permanent deformation (rutting)
• Mixture is plastic
• Depends on asphalt binder source,
additives, and aggregate properties

Function of warm
weather and traffic

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 10


Rutting
• DSR testing
– Minimum stiffness requirement
• Original asphalt binder
• Immediately after construction
– Short term aging Rutting

[DSR]

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 11


Short Term Aging
• Simulates stiffening of asphalt binder
during storage, mixing, and hauling

• Function of:
– Oxidation hardening
• Asphalt binder reacts with oxygen
• Volatilization of specific components

• Simulated using rolling thin film oven

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 12


Short Term Aging
• Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT)
– Simulates aging from hot mixing and construction

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 13


Fan
RTFOT
Rotating
Bottle
Carriage

Air Line

After Before
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 14
Mass Loss is Monitored
• Calculate mass loss after RTFO
Original mass - Aged mass
Mass loss, % = x 100
Original mass

• Determine G*/sin  for RTFO aged material


at same test temp. used for original
asphalt binder

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 15


Rutting
Superpave DSR test requirements:
G*/sin  on unaged (original) asphalt binder > 1.00
kPa
G*/sin  on RTFO aged asphalt binder > 2.20 kPa

For the early part


of the service life

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 16


Rutting
Question: Why a minimum G*/sin  to
address rutting
Answer: We want a stiff, elastic
asphalt binder to contribute to mix
rutting resistance
How: By increasing G* or decreasing 

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 17


Fatigue

RV BBR

DSR
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 18
Fatigue Cracking
Function of repeated traffic loads over time
(in wheel paths)

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 19


DSR
Fatigue
• Aged PG asphalt binder Cracking
– Since long term performance
problem, include:
• Short term aging
• Long term aging [DSR]

• Determine DSR parameters


using 8 mm plate and
intermediate test temperature

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 20


Long Term Aging

• Simulates aging of an PG asphalt binder


for 7 to 10 years
• Starts with RTFO aged PG asphalt binder
– Additional aging with Pressure Aging
Vessel (PAV)
• 50 gram

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 21


PAV Components
Rack of individual
pans
(50g of asphalt /
Bottom of pan)
pressure
aging
vessel

Vessel Lid Components


Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 22
PAV Testing

• After RTFO aging


– 50 gram sample/pan aged for 20 hours
in PAV
• Pressure of 2,070 kPa (300 psi)
• Test temp 90, 100 or 110o C

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 23


Equipment Examples

www.atspa.com

www.prentex.com
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 24
Fatigue Cracking

• G* (sin ) on RTFO and PAV aged


asphalt binder
• The parameter addresses the later part
of the fatigue life
• Value must be < 5,000 kPa

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 25


Fatigue Cracking

• Question: Why a maximum G* sin  to


address fatigue?

Answer: We want a soft elastic asphalt binder


(to sustain many loads without cracking)

How: By decreasing G* or decreasing 

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 26


Thermal
Cracking

RV BBR
DSR
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 27
Low Temperature Behavior

• Low Temperature
– Cold climates
– Winter Elastic Solid
• Rapid Loads
– Fast moving trucks

Hooke’s Law
 E

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 28


Low Temperature
• Thermal cracks
– Stress generated by contraction due
to drop in temperature
– Crack forms when thermal stresses
exceed ability of material to relieve
stress through deformation
• Material is brittle
• Depends on source of asphalt and
aggregate properties

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 29


Thermal Cracking

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 30


Courtesy of FHWA
Low Temperature
Low Temp
Cracking
• Two rheological tests
– Bending beam
[DTT]
• Stiffness
– Direct tension
• Strength [BBR]

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 31


Superpave Requirements

• BBR Stiffness Properties


– Max stiffness, S, at 60 seconds of 300
MPa
– Min rate of change in stiffness
• Min slope, m, of 0.300 MPa/sec
• Strength
– Currently being finalized
• See latest recommendations

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 32


Summary

Fatigue Low Temp


Cracking Cracking
Construction Rutting

[DTT]

[RV] [DSR] [BBR]

RTFO
No aging Short Term Aging
PAV
Long Term Aging
Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 33
QUESTIONS ?

Asphalt Binders Superpave Binder Tests 34

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